Angel Eyes Plus Vs. Natural Tear Stains Treatments: A Comparison

Tear stains in dogs are a common issue that many pet parents have to deal with. Those reddish-brown stains under your dog’s eyes can be unsightly and frustrating to manage. While some breeds like Maltese, Poodles, and Shih Tzus are more prone to tear staining, any dog can develop these stains at some point.

There are two main approaches to managing tear stains in dogs – using a commercial tear stain product like Angels’ Eyes Plus or trying natural remedies. But which method is better? Here, we’ll compare and contrast Angels’ Eyes Plus and natural tear stain treatments so you can decide what’s right for your pup.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	Angel Eyes Plus	Natural Tear Stain Treatments
Active Ingredient	Tylosin (antibiotic)	No antibiotics
Speed of Results	Fast (3-4 weeks)	Slower (2-3 months)
Convenience	Easy to administer powder	Multiple remedies/techniques required
Safety	Not for pregnant/nursing dogs	Gentle for most dogs
Cost	$25-$40 per month	Varies, often cheaper
Philosophy	Treats symptoms	Treats root causes
Best For	Severe staining, fast results	Mild staining, avoid antibiotics

What Is Angel Eyes Plus?

Angel Eyes Plus is a popular commercial tear stain supplement designed to eliminate excessive tear staining in dogs. It contains an antibiotic called tylosin, which is thought to reduce tear staining by inhibiting the growth of red yeast and bacteria around the eyes.

Angel Eyes Plus comes in a powder formula that you mix into your dog’s food daily. The company claims you should see improvement in tear stains within 3-4 weeks. It is safe for long term use in both puppies and adult dogs.

Some of the pros of using Angel Eyes Plus include:

• Proven results: Many pet owners report noticeable reduction in tear stains when using this product consistently. The before and after photos are pretty impressive!
• Convenient administration: Since it’s a powder, Angel Eyes Plus is easy to sprinkle on your dog’s meals. No need to brush it on the face or wrestle with your dog to administer it!
• Palatable taste: Most dogs seem to like the taste and eat their food without issue when Angel Eyes is mixed in.

However, there are some downsides to consider with Angel Eyes Plus as well:

• Contains antibiotic: While tear staining is not an infection, some vets argue against using an oral antibiotic like tylosin long term simply for cosmetic purposes. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem.
• Requires ongoing use: Angel Eyes Plus only works if used consistently. Tear stains will likely return if you stop giving it.
• May not be safe for pregnant dogs: The antibiotic in Angel Eyes Plus may not be recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs, so check with your vet first.
• Does not treat root cause: This product only treats the symptoms of tear staining but does not address any underlying health issues contributing to excessive tear production.

So while Angel Eyes Plus can produce great cosmetic results, the antibiotic ingredient raises some concerns. For a more natural approach, let’s look at the alternative options.

Also Read: Choose Between Proviable Forte And Proviable DC.

Natural Tear Stain Treatments

Here are some common natural remedies pet owners try to minimize tear stains without using antibiotics:

1. Filtered Water

Switching to filtered water may reduce minerals contributing to staining. Increased water intake also helps flush out tear ducts. Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, filtered water.

2. Wipe Face Daily

Gently wiping your dog’s face daily with a warm washcloth will minimize buildup. Use separate washcloths for each eye to avoid spreading stains.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into your dog’s water or food bowl daily. The enzymes may help break down pigments causing stains. Use raw, organic ACV for best results.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Apply a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to stain area with a cotton pad 1-2 times daily. Use a 3% solution and dilute with equal parts water before applying. Rinse thoroughly after.

5. Coconut Oil

Rub a small amount of virgin coconut oil onto stained fur daily to gently break down discoloration. It also moisturizes dry, irritated skin. Use care around eyes.

6. Optimize Diet

A diet too high in fillers, carbs or artificial ingredients may contribute to tear staining. Transition to a high quality dog food. Add omega fatty acids or probiotics to improve skin and coat health.

7. Improve Face Hygiene

Trim hair around eyes to minimize fur where tears can collect and stain. Clean around eyes daily with non-irritating wipes to prevent buildup.

The benefits of these natural approaches include:

• No antibiotics: Avoid the overuse of antibiotics for a purely cosmetic issue. Lower risk of disrupting healthy gut flora.
• Gentle and safe: Most home remedies are gentle enough for regular use in dogs. Always dilute and test sensitivity first though.
• Treats root causes: A more holistic approach addresses underlying causes like diet, allergies, blocked tear ducts, facial hair, and other excess tear production triggers.
• Multiple options: You can use a combination of natural remedies to cover all the bases. Rotate different techniques for best results.

The cons of natural tear stain treatments include:

• Takes longer: While you may see some improvement right away, removing tear stains using only natural methods typically takes much longer than antibiotic products. Patience is required.
• Not a cure: There is no natural “cure-all” for excessive tearing and staining. You must continue applying remedies ongoing in most cases.
• Cause of staining matters: If stains stem from health conditions like allergies, blocked tear ducts, eye injuries or more, these underlying issues must be treated to fully resolve staining.
• Requires diligence: To see results, you must be very consistent in administering the remedies suggested and making any recommended diet and lifestyle changes.

So in summary, natural tear stain treatments take more effort and commitment from pet owners, but provide a more holistic approach without antibiotics. Angel Eyes Plus works more quickly but has some safety concerns with long term use.

Also Read: Comparison Between ZYMOX Otic And ZYMOX Plus.

Angel Eyes Plus Vs. Natural: Which Is Better?

There is no universally “best” approach that will work for every dog with tear stains. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between Angel Eyes Plus and natural treatment methods:

• Your dog’s age: Angel Eyes Plus is not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs. Natural methods are safer if trying to treat puppies or younger dogs.
• Cause of staining: If a health condition is behind the stains, natural remedies or treating the root cause will be more effective than just using Angel Eyes alone.
• Your philosophy on antibiotics: If you want to avoid antibiotic overuse, the natural route is preferable. But Angel Eyes Plus does work faster.
• Severity of staining: For significant staining or breeds prone to tearing, a natural/Angel Eyes Plus combo approach might make sense to see quicker improvement first.
• Your time commitment: Natural remedies require more diligence and effort from the pet owner. If you are too busy for this, Angel Eyes may work better for your lifestyle.
• Your budget: Angel Eyes Plus costs between $25-$40 for a month’s supply. Natural remedies generally cost less, with the exception of diet changes.

At the end of the day, many pet owners see the best results from a combination approach: using Angel Eyes Plus initially to tackle significant staining quickly but transitioning to natural maintenance remedies over time to avoid long term antibiotic use. Work with your vet to determine the safest options for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Is Feliway Multicat Diffusers Better Than Regular?

The Bottom Line

Tear stains in dogs can be frustrating, but chronic antibiotic use comes with its own set of concerns. For the best results with minimal side effects, consider using Angel Eyes Plus short term when staining is severe followed by natural maintenance remedies.

This combined approach gives your dog the best chance at keeping those angelic white fur areas around the eyes!